Caris LeVert growing into the Nets' go-to scorer

The Nets might have a star in the making in 24-year-old Caris LeVert. (AP)

As the Nets look to take another step forward this season, their most important player may just be budding star Caris LeVert. The 24-year-old is off to a hot start for Brooklyn through the first three games, scoring at least 19 points in all three contests and taking the role of go-to player in crunch time.

LeVert has been able to take advantage of -- and run away with -- his opportunity with early-season injuries to DeMarre Carroll, Allen Crabbe and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. He's averaging 31.3 minutes per game, the most on the team, and also leading the way with over 13 shots per game, a big uptick from his first two years in the league.

The third-year pro helped orchestrate the Nets' thrilling win over the crosstown rival Knicks last Friday. It was a big moment for LeVert, who is starting to blossom into the player the Nets thought he was when they selected him at No. 20 overall in the 2016 draft.

LeVert's last-second shot against the Knicks capped a 15-point fourth quarter and gave him a career-high 28 points. The moment showed the trust head coach Kenny Atkinson has for LeVert, who seems to be evolving into the Nets' closer at the end of games.

LeVert's heroics provided payback for his mistake in the final seconds of the team's loss against the Pistons. He hit 10-of-11 free throws to go along with six rebounds and five assists in the Nets' first win of the season.

The youngster has reached numerous early-season milestones, becoming the first player in franchise history with at least 27 points, four rebounds and four assists in each of the first two games of a season, and his 74 points through three games are the most in the Brooklyn era. It was also the first time LeVert scored 20 points in back-to-back games in his career. His production continues to increase at the pro level; he's already averaging 12 more points than he did in 2017-18, and his field goal percentage has significantly improved.

It's a progression that isn't surprising to teammates, Atkinson or LeVert himself.

The Nets knew LeVert was talented coming out of Michigan, even with multiple foot injuries, but now the first-round pick is near the top of the NBA in scoring and could be an early candidate for Most Improved Player. He also dodged some early offseason trade rumors after Jimmy Butler became available. Deciding to hang onto LeVert instead of dealing him away in a high splash move for someone like Butler has paid off for GM Sean Marks so far.

If LeVert's leap continues, the Nets could have a legitimate star on their hands and become an even more attractive destination for key free agents like Butler, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in the years ahead. Brooklyn will have eight contracts coming off the books after this season and will be able to make a run at all the marquee names available. LeVert's versatility and passing ability should allow him to play with just about anyone.

Owed just $2.6 million next season, LeVert is a bargain for Brooklyn and could be in line for a big raise ahead of the 2020-21 season. For now, though, a strong, healthy year from LeVert could turn this into his team moving forward and will put the Nets in a great position as they look to grow into a title contender.